RECREATIONAL AND EXTREME SPORTS IN THE COUNTRY

People tend to find different ways to bring thrill in their lives when doing recreational activities. Extreme sports are all about the thrill. The extreme here is like what it seems, taking it to the furthest when coming to these sports. You want to see where your limit is when engaging in these activities. The element of danger that exists in the extreme sports is what makes them more fun and performed by many. Even though they tend to be done mostly when one participates in recreational ventures, they are very much physical exercises. Here is where the confusion comes since many of the extreme sports are done mostly when doing recreational activities, it becomes hard to differentiate the two. But since there is no way knowing what determines a recreational activity and an extreme sport, the following are some of the most commonly extreme sports that can also be a recreational activity.

Skydiving, this is one of the popular extreme sport. It involves jumping out of an airplane mid-flight and doing different mid-air tricks before deploying the parachute. It surely produces an adrenaline rush for those who love to make risks when engaging in recreational activities. It still is considered as a sport worldwide. It can therefore fall in-between. Either way, jumping from a plane and falling through the air at 120 miles per hour surely gets people’s attention.

Rock climbing, this is a great indoor and outdoor activity. It can either be an extreme sport or a recreational activity. It really makes a person push themselves to a certain limit. It involves use of a lot of body strength and being okay with heights. It is extreme depending on the heights and safety features you take when climbing a rock wall or mountain. It’s a good stress removal and anger management cure. If you think about it, climbing a rock wall will surely make you occupied instead of being angry.

Skiing,one of the oldest sports of all time. It was always a simple and careful sport of using skis to travel on snow. It started to change when people started doing their own twists when skiing. They started doing different freestyles and tricks like snowboarders and it became an obsession. Thereafter skiing was said to an extreme sport since it was a little dangerous and a lot more competitive. It still is a recreational activity when done without the tricks and not in competitions.

Scuba diving, this is a self-contained underwater breathing apparatus. That’s what SCUBA means literally. When scuba diving you need important equipment that help with breathing underwater. This to me is more of a recreational activity than an extreme sport. Although it’s an underwater sport, a lot of people practice scuba diving when they go on vacations or to have fun. It is strictly advised to be practised with only those who have mastered swimming in deep oceans since it’s a dangerous sport going underwater which is an inhospitable environment. When you keep the danger and all the bad of scuba diving, it’s a really interesting beautiful activity since you see all the underwater life and you feel free being in water.

Snowboarding, it is a very famous recreational activity to do when on holidays. It used to be a simple act of going from one point of a high snow covered slope down to the end with a snowboard on. It developed by being inspired by skateboarding where you move the snowboard with different tricks and freestyles that makes it more interesting. It is an extreme sport depending on how high the slopes the snowboarder prefers to go on. It is practiced in Winter Olympics since 1998.

Surfing, it’s all about the waves in this sport. All you need is a surfboard, wetsuit and the leash to keep your board near you at all times. The bigger the wave, the better the ride they said. Seriously though, no it’s not that simple. There is actually physics and math if am not mistaken used to keep that board on the wave that easily. Jokes aside, surfing is a really extreme sport which one has to learn very well to master it. During summer though surfing is a very popular recreational activity since it involves staying on the beach all day.

There are so many extreme sports that you just wouldn’t dream thinking of that are very doable. And since many of these sports are practiced as recreational activities, they still help with physical exercises to those who still want to have that excitement and danger when doing an activity. Make sure to try some of these activities when your next vacation comes, you don’t know you may actually like it.

Africans Love for K Dramas.

Gone are the days when international television series were

solely dominated by Hollywood productions. Today, Korean dramas,

commonly known as K-dramas, have captured the hearts of millions

worldwide, transcending language barriers and captivating

audiences in all corners of the globe. From heartwarming romances

that left us swooning to gripping thrillers that had us on the edge of

our seats, Korean dramas have the remarkable ability to transport

audiences into a realm of emotions and storytelling like no other.

Africa, with its diverse and dynamic population, has quickly become

a significant market for these captivating shows. This is a selection

of a few of the best K-dramas we have watched in the year 2022

and 2023.

“Extraordinary Attorney Woo” is a captivating K-drama that has

captured the hearts of viewers around the world. This legal drama

revolves around the life of Woo Young-woo, a rookie lawyer with

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who has the love of all kinds of

whales. As she takes on challenging cases, Woo’s unconventional

methods and sharp intellect captivate both her clients and the

audience. The drama masterfully combines elements of suspense,

humor, and romance, creating a compelling narrative that keeps

viewers on the edge of their seats. With its intriguing storyline,

charismatic characters, and thought-provoking themes,

“Extraordinary Attorney Woo” is a must-watch K-drama that leaves

a lasting impression.

Business Proposal” is a captivating romance K-drama that

weaves a tale of unexpected love and complicated relationships.

The story revolves around Shin Ha-ri, a diligent employee who

agrees to a blind date on behalf of her friend, only to discover that

her mysterious date is none other than her own boss, Kang Tae-

moo. As Ha-ri and Tae-moo navigate their complicated professional

and personal lives, their encounters spark a connection that goes

beyond their initial expectations. Alongside them, we witness the

intertwined stories of Cha Sung-hoon, Tae-moo’s loyal secretary

and friend, and Jin Young-seo, Ha-ri’s supportive best friend. As the

plot unfolds, viewers are taken on a rollercoaster of emotions,

exploring themes of love, friendship, loyalty, and the complexities of

workplace dynamics. With its intriguing premise and an ensemble

cast of talented actors, “Business Proposal” delivers a delightful

blend of romance, drama, and unexpected twists that will keep

audiences hooked from start to finish.

“Alchemy of Souls” is a mesmerizing fantasy K-drama that takes

viewers on a captivating journey through the lives of Nak-su and

Jang Uk. Nak-su, an elite warrior with formidable skills, finds herself

trapped in the feeble body of Mu-deok due to an accidental soul

transfer. This unexpected twist of fate leads her to become Jang

Uk’s servant and master, embarking on a path of forbidden love and

self-discovery. As Nak-su teaches Jang Uk her warrior skills, they

both find themselves irresistibly drawn to each other. Their journey

unfolds against the backdrop of a mysterious and dangerous magic

spell called the “alchemy of souls,” which holds the power to switch

souls between bodies. Throughout the series, the young mages

strive to overcome their twisted destinies, navigating the

complexities of love, loyalty, and personal growth. “Alchemy of

Souls” promises an enchanting tale of romance, magic, and the

resilience of the human spirit as these characters find strength and

courage in their intertwined fates.

“Taxi Driver” is a thrilling and captivating Korean show that has

gained immense popularity among viewers around the world. The

show revolves around the enigmatic and unconventional character

of Kim Do-gi, a former special forces officer who becomes a taxi

driver. However, his taxi service goes beyond transporting

passengers as he leads a covert vigilante organization seeking

justice for victims who were failed by the legal system. With its

intriguing plotline, intense action sequences, and thought-provoking

themes of revenge and redemption, “Taxi Driver” keeps viewers on

the edge of their seats. The show’s dynamic cast, led by Lee Je-

hoon, delivers compelling performances that bring the complex

characters to life. As the story unfolds, “Taxi Driver” delves into the

darker corners of society, exploring themes of corruption, power

abuse, and the pursuit of justice. With its engaging storytelling and

thought-provoking narrative, “Taxi Driver” has become a standout

Korean drama that leaves a lasting impact on its audience.

“Twenty Five Twenty One” is a captivating Korean drama that

takes viewers on a nostalgic journey through time, showcasing the

intricate and evolving romantic lives of five main characters.

Spanning from the year 1998 to 2021, the series delves into the

interconnected relationships of Na Hee-do, Baek Yi-jin, Ko Yu-rim,

Moon Ji-woong, and Ji Seung-wan. In a fascinating twist, the story

is unveiled through Na Hee-do’s daughter, who discovers her

mother’s diary from the year 2021, unraveling the tales of love,

heartbreak, and personal growth. With each episode, the audience

is transported to different eras, witnessing the characters’ joys,

sorrows, and the enduring power of love that transcends time.

“Twenty Five Twenty One” beautifully weaves together romance,

nostalgia, and the exploration of how our past experiences shape

our present selves.

“The Glory” is a gripping Korean drama that explores the

consequences of school violence and the pursuit of justice. The

series revolves around a former victim who, scarred by her

traumatic experiences, makes the bold decision to drop out of

school and meticulously plans her revenge against her bullies.

Years later, she seizes an opportunity to take on the role of a

homeroom teacher at the elementary school where the child of one

of her bullies attends. As she assumes her new position, she uses

her authority to seek retribution against those who once tormented

her. “The Glory” captivates viewers with its intense storyline,

shedding light on the long-lasting impacts of bullying and the

complexities of revenge. The show’s powerful performances and

thought-provoking narrative earned it recognition at the prestigious

59th Baeksang Arts Awards, with eight nominations and three wins,

including Best Drama, Best Actress, and Best Supporting Actress.

In conclusion, the growing popularity of Korean dramas in Africa

has opened up a new avenue for cultural exploration and

appreciation. Africans have wholeheartedly embraced these

captivating shows, eagerly diving into the rich tapestry of Korean

culture and getting lost in its diverse and captivating narratives. The

phenomenon of Korean dramas transcends geographical

boundaries, bringing people from different corners of the world

together through the shared experience of watching these must-see

shows.

By Edna Deus

BOOK REVIEW: THE JOYS OF THE MOTHERHOOD BY BUCHI EMECHETA

A Captivating Tale of Love, Sacrifice, and Identity

In a world filled with literature that explores the complexities of human emotions and experiences, “The Joys of Motherhood” by Buchi Emecheta stands as an absolute gem. Published in 1979, this powerful novel takes readers on an emotional journey through the life of Nnu Ego, a Nigerian woman grappling with the joys and challenges of motherhood amidst a backdrop of cultural expectations and societal shifts. Emecheta’s poignant storytelling and vivid portrayal of a mother’s journey make this book an absolute must-read.

A Glimpse into Nnu Ego’s World:

Set against the backdrop of 20th-century Nigeria, “The Joys of Motherhood” introduces us to Nnu Ego, a young woman who dreams of a life filled with happiness, love, and motherhood. However, as she embarks on her journey of marriage and raising a family, she soon discovers that her dreams come at a price.

Emecheta beautifully captures the intricate web of emotions that accompany motherhood. From the initial exhilaration of bringing life into the world to the selfless sacrifices made for the sake of one’s children, Nnu Ego’s story resonates with readers on a deeply personal level. The author’s ability to evoke empathy and understanding through her writing is truly captivating.

Navigating Culture and Identity:

One of the most compelling aspects of this novel is its exploration of culture and identity. Emecheta skillfully portrays the clash between tradition and modernity, as Nnu Ego finds herself torn between the customs of her Igbo heritage and the changing world around her. Through her struggles and triumphs, we witness the resilience and strength of a woman determined to find her place in a society undergoing rapid transformation.

The Challenges of Motherhood:

Emecheta’s masterful storytelling delves into the often unspoken difficulties faced by mothers. As Nnu Ego navigates the challenges of raising her children in poverty and facing societal pressures, readers are confronted with the harsh realities of motherhood. Emecheta’s ability to weave heart-wrenching moments of despair with glimmers of hope makes the emotional impact of this book truly profound.

“The Joys of Motherhood” is a book that captures the essence of what it means to be a mother, a woman, and a human being. Buchi Emecheta’s powerful prose invites readers into the world of Nnu Ego, where they witness the complexities of love, sacrifice, and the pursuit of one’s identity. This novel is not only an exploration of motherhood but also a reflection on the human experience as a whole.

Through her compelling narrative and thought-provoking themes, Emecheta has created a literary masterpiece that continues to resonate with readers even decades after its

publication. If you are seeking a book that will touch your heart, challenge your perceptions, and leave you with a renewed sense of empathy, “The Joys of Motherhood” is an absolute must-read. Prepare to be captivated by Emecheta’s storytelling prowess and embark on a transformative journey that will stay with you long after you turn the final page.

By Vanessa Mwingira